Bootcamp for the mind & soul

She stood on the stage looking embarrassed and uncomfortable. She was supposed to be telling the audience about her newly released book.

But she couldn’t do it.

When asked why she couldn’t talk about her book, she responded “I don’t want people to think that I think I am better than them”.

I knew exactly what she was talking about.

For in the past I too had and sometimes to this day continue to downplay my achievements, for fear of being seen as bragging or coming across as thinking I am special.

As I watched in agony as this woman stammered and apologised for her success, I wanted to run up to the stage, give her a hug and say “You deserve this. You earned the right to talk about your success. You go girl”.

I said a few encouraging words to her when she came off the stage, but I am not really sure in the few short minutes that I spoke to her, that she could actually take it all in. She was stuck in a moment of overwhelm.

I have been pondering this scene for a few weeks now and it has made me wonder, why we, especially women, tend to downplay our successes.

When you think about it, children receive awards and certificates all the time for their achievements, yet as adults we often don’t take the time to celebrate our proud moments. We reward our children to give them the motivation and courage to keep trying and to help them develop confidence, yet why don’t we do that for ourselves as adults?

Why do we fear that other people will judge our successes?

I believe it is imperative that we look back and celebrate our successes and proud moments, because like children, it helps us develop confidence and a positive mind-set to push forward, try new things and move towards pursuing our goals.

So, in that spirit, let’s take a minute and celebrate our successes.

Share your successes with me…

I’d love to hear about your proud moments…. I will cheer and celebrate your accomplishments alongside you. You don’t need to downplay your achievements with me!